This book points out that the right way is not always immediately apparent. Jo, Mom, and Nick are all believable characters. There is a bit of iffy content about sex discussions, gay slurs, and alcoholism. Altogether, the book portrays the family so honestly that you feel like you're part of it. Wonderful book.
Between Mom and Jo
(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Julie Peters)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Tender tale about a boy whose moms split up.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 12–15
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Between Mom and Jo
Parents need to know that this book centers on a boy growing up with two moms. There is some heavy stuff: Jo is an alcoholic, Erin has breast cancer -- and then there is the main crisis: They split up, leaving Nick sad and angry (and Jo without any rights). There is some swearing, some mentions of junk food brands, and Nick has to deal with some harassment from his peers (and even one prejudiced teacher).
Read our full review by Kate Pavao
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about other books and media about gay families. Do you think that these books are only helpful to kids like Nick growing up with gay parents -- or do kids with straight parents have something to gain from them too? Does this book do anything to change -- or reinforce -- your feelings about gay families, especially around their quest for legal rights?
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